Source: SAT-7 USA, January 28, 2016
Imprisoned and blacklisted by the authorities because of their Christian activities, Arshia and his wife, Mahanaz, felt they had no choice but to flee Iran.
The couple shared their story with SAT-7 for a special documentary filmed throughout Greece and Turkey about Iranian and Afghani Christians who have had to leave their homelands because of persecution.
Baptized in Armenia, they returned to Iran and led a house church from their home in the mountains. They were discovered by the authorities, imprisoned and blacklisted. Upon their release, they were told they would be arrested again if they continued practicing their faith and would face severe consequences.
Arshia and Mahanaz felt they could not meet with other believers for fear of endangering them. Feeling silenced and isolated, the couple decided to flee Iran. Leaving everything behind, they walked for four days from Iran to Ankara, Turkey.
The couple have been living in a refugee camp for over a year now. “It is challenging,” says Arshia. “Our curfew is 10pm. However, it does give us safety. God is good. We go to the Iranian church here and can worship freely.”
Arshia and his wife have managed to find employment in a restaurant. They are still waiting for their documents from the camp to receive permission to move on and make a home elsewhere.
Please pray for Arshia and Mahanaz as they continue to follow Christ—wherever he may lead.
» Read full story or watch documentary (made for Persian-speaking audiences, but here with English subtitles).